FAQ

We often receive questions from students, families, educators and others regarding details surrounding the Business Horizons program. You will find a list below of some of these frequently asked questions.

If you have additional questions, please contact us and a member of our staff will be in touch as soon as possible.

Qualifications

Who can attend?
The program is available to any student in the state of Iowa who is currently in grades 9-12. Students from states outside of Iowa are also welcome to attend should space allow.

Can seniors still register even if they will have graduated high school by the time they attend?
Absolutely! Students are welcome to register during their senior year and attend event after they have graduated. Business Horizons is great preparation for life after high school.

Is Business Horizons only for students interested in business?
Business Horizons is NOT just for business students. The program is still great for students who may have other plans for their future...or no plans at all! Our goal is to allow students to explore opportunities based on their personal strengths, and help them develop the necessary skills needed for today’s workplace, regardless of career field.

Do I need a certain GPA or ACT score to attend?
No. Academic standing is not a determining factor of acceptance into the Business Horizons program. However, please note that educator references will be given prior notice of each participant’s plan to attend and asked if they have any concerns regarding his/her participation.

Registration Process

How do I sign up?
Complete the registration form found online here. Once you successfully submitted your form, you should receive an automated email confirmation and be directed to the next page that provides guidance on submitting your participation fee. Submit your participation fee (if applicable) to the ABI Foundation following the instructions on the page. Participant fees may be paid either online by credit card or mailed by cash or check to the ABI Foundation.

Is it possible that I won’t be accepted?
It’s very unlikely that we would ever deny a student the opportunity to attend Business Horizons. If there is any cause for concern, the student will be contacted to discuss matters further.

How and when will I know if I’m accepted?
It typically takes 3-5 business days to process participant information after receiving an application form. We then send each participant an information packet in the mail (and by email) containing additional details and a few required forms to complete and return to us. Please allow time for processing and shipping. If you have registered and do not receive a mailing or email confirmation within two weeks, please contact us. 

If needed, can I receive financial assistance to attend?
The ABI Foundation will never turn away a student for the inability to pay the participation fee. We are happy to work with students and families on an individual basis, and with the help of program sponsors, will award program scholarships based on financial need. To inquire about the opportunity to receive assistance, contact us at info@businesshorizonsiowa.com.

What is the deadline to register?
The final registration deadline is typically two weeks prior to the program. We will make exceptions for last-minute registrants, but it can be difficult for participants to complete the necessary pre-program paperwork in a short amount of time. Also, be sure to note the discount deadline. It (literally) pays to register early!

What if I signed up and can no longer attend? Can I get a refund?
We understand that things happen, and sometimes unforeseen circumstances or illness may get in the way of your plans. If you are no longer able to attend, please notify our staff immediately. Notification of your absence must take place at least one week before the start of the program in order to guarantee a refund. Staff will work with individuals who are unable to attend last-minute due to illness, emergency or similar.

Tell me more about the college credit and scholarship opportunities!
Often times, the host campus of Business Horizons elects to provide special benefits for Business Horizons participants. In the past, these have included transferrable college credit (for an additional discounted rate), as well as a scholarship to the host institution should the participant apply, be accepted, and choose to attend to continue their education at the host college/university. Both of these opportunities are provided and facilitated by the host campus. Business Horizons will provide information on these opportunities to all participants prior to the program.

Program Details

Where can I find a detailed agenda of the week?
While we know this may cause some stress, we intentionally do not provide a full agenda ahead of time. Don’t worry, though, participants will have everything they need to know for a great week. As we get closer to the program, all participants will receive a mailing with several details regarding what to bring, when and where to arrive, etc. Upon arriving, students will immediately receive a detailed agenda for the week and all additional information.

What will the hours be like each day?
We want this experience to be a worthwhile one, so we do not to waste any time at Business Horizons. Scheduled programming typically begins each day at 8:30am and ends after our “After Hours” activities, which typically conclude no later than 10:00 p.m.

How will I know what to bring?
We will send all participants a final packet in the mail a few weeks before the start of the program. This will include a detailed list of what to pack and what the attire requirements are for the week.

Do I need to pay for anything during the week?
Participation fees, along with donations from our sponsors, will cover lodging, all meals, program materials and activities for the week. If desired, participants are welcome to bring extra cash for vending machines in the dorm or for extra spending money should the program take a trip off-site in the evening (i.e. games at Adventureland). Plans such as this will be noted in the packing checklist.

Campus Life & Housing

What is the housing situation like during the week?
All participants will be housed in an air-conditioned dorm on our host campus. If boys and girls are housed in the same dorm, they will be separated either by floor or wing with doors in-between. We also hire Dorm Counselors to stay with the group throughout the week to, first and foremost, ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

Can I room with my friend?
A huge benefit of attending Business Horizons is the opportunity to meet new friends from across the state. In order for participants to get to know others, we do not typically allow friends or students from the same high school to room together. If needed, students are welcome to contact our staff to discuss further.

Can I leave campus during BH for other obligations during the week (morning workouts, runs, etc.)?
Our number one priority during the program is the safety of the student participants. With that in mind, we do not allow students to leave campus during the week. However, if we are notified ahead of time, we will be happy to work with students on an individual basis to accommodate or find alternative solutions.

Where will participants be eating while on campus?
All participants will be provided with meal cards to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in the cafeteria on campus. All meals will take place in the cafeteria, with the exception of a few catered meals during the week. Meal times are built into the daily schedule and take place as a group.

Are you able to accommodate special medical and/or dietary needs?
We are more than happy to make accommodations for any medical and/or dietary needs. We do ask that students and/or guardians please notify us with any necessary information well ahead of the program so that we can ensure all needs are properly met. Students will have the opportunity to indicate any dietary, medical and/or other restrictions on the required medical form. Students and guardians are also welcome to contact our staff to discuss needs in further detail.